91% of Americans Favor Alternative Sources of Energy

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Date: 011203

From: http://www.earthvision.net/

POLL SHOWS AMERICANS FAVOR ALTERNATIVE SOURCES TO FILL ENERGY GAP

EarthVision Environmental News - December 3, 2001

Princeton - The results of a survey conducted by The Gallup

Organization have revealed that 91 percent of those polled favor

investing in alternative sources of energy, which includes solar,

wind, and fuel cells, and that 81 percent of respondents say the US

needs new power plants.

This poll, which randomly sampled 512 adults, was conducted November

8-11, 2001 and was a follow-up to a similar survey conducted in May of

this year. When comparing the results of the two polls, the public's

feelings towards investing in alternative energy sources remained

unchanged, and those advocating building more power plants essentially

remained the same - in May 83 percent said the US needed more power

plants versus 81 percent in November.

The percentage of people who thought the electricity shortfall should

be made up with nuclear power slipped somewhat in the latest poll,

with 42 percent backing an increased use of nuclear power in November,

while 48 percent felt that way in May. However, the number of people

who thought opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska

for oil exploration was a good idea increased slightly between the two

polls. In May, 38 percent favored opening the Refuge, while in

November 44 percent were behind the drilling.

Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration is

one of President Bush's top priorities and while the support is not

yet at the halfway point, a small increase is seen. Supporters of the

drilling say these US-based oil reserves could help reduce America's

dependence on imported oil for many years, but critics of the plan say

the environmental impact does not justify the perceived benefits.